The President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, has urged newly inducted members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct, stressing that the future of credible communication depends on responsible practitioners.
Speaking at the NIPR 2026 Second Quarter Induction Ceremony in Abuja, Isiguzo described public relations and journalism as natural partners in promoting truth, accountability and national development.
He noted that, at a time when societies across the world are grappling with misinformation, disinformation, fake news and declining public trust, the role of public relations professionals has become increasingly significant.
“What is happening here today is a solemn initiation into a profession that sits at the heart of reputation management, trust-building, stakeholder engagement and national development,” he said.
The former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) congratulated the President and Chairman of the council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, and the institute’s leadership for their unwavering commitment to promoting professional excellence, ethical practice and strategic communication in Nigeria and beyond.
Addressing the inductees, Isiguzo reminded them that their certificates represented far more than academic qualifications, describing them as a covenant of professionalism, integrity and service to society.
“The society you are entering desperately needs communicators who will stand firmly for truth, credibility, transparency and responsible engagement,” he said.
He cautioned against the abuse of influence and unethical communication, emphasising that integrity remains the foundation of effective public relations practice.
“Influence without integrity is dangerous, and communication without ethics can be destructive. Therefore, let your practice be guided by honesty, professionalism, empathy and a commitment to the public good,” he advised.
The veteran journalist also highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and digital media platforms. He urged communication professionals to embrace innovation while remaining firmly committed to ethical values.
According to him, communication practitioners across Africa must continually adapt to the rapidly evolving media and technology landscape without compromising the principles that define the profession.
Isiguzo further commended NIPR for its growing influence and contributions to national discourse, professional development and societal advancement, describing the institute as one of Africa’s leading professional bodies in strategic communication.
He pledged continued collaboration between the Congress of African Journalists and NIPR to advance professional communication, promote media literacy and combat misinformation across the continent.
“As President of the Congress of African Journalists, I assure you of our continued support and collaboration in advancing professional communication, combating misinformation, promoting media literacy and fostering a more informed and enlightened society across Africa,” he said.
The CAJ President urged the newly inducted practitioners to wear their membership with pride and a strong sense of responsibility, challenging them to become ambassadors of trust, credibility and positive societal impact.
The induction ceremony attracted public relations professionals, industry leaders, fellows of the institute and other stakeholders in the communication sector, who gathered to witness the formal admission of a new cohort of practitioners into the profession.
